Comparison of Viper vs Sidewinder common issues before buying

[honda400ex2]

Hi,

I currently have a 2009 Nytro Xtx. Am thinking of switching to something a bit newer. Doing a bit of reading on the Viper and Sidewinders on this site, but could I get a honest comparison of the good and bad of each model. I worked some fixes to make my nytro better, but wondering how much I would need to do to get the bugs worked out of a Viper or Sidewinder.

Below are some of the nytro issues,

Nytro xtx
-Hard steering
-Darting on trail (Improved)
-Steering Relocate
-Rear suspension needs help
-3 cylinder clutch/engine rattle
-Cold hand warmers
-Limiter strap breaking (Fixed)
-Exhaust donuts
-Front suspension bushings (Fixed)
-Front suspension ball joints

Some of these are normal maintenance items, but just wondering if the Viper and Sidewinder suffer from some of these same things and any other problems that stick out that should be corrected.

I love the engine, like the rider forward type rider stance of the nytro; just want to be informed of what issues come with the Viper & Sidewinder.

Also the fun factor, how much better is one to the other?

Thanks

 

[snowfever27]

The Viper and SW are based on the same procross chassis so the handling is similar. The difference is the SW has almost unlimited power. It’s insane. I own a Viper (XF7000) but I have a few hundred miles of seat time on a SW. they both suffer from chaincase issues, tri hubs wear out, some bearings come with no grease, hot start issues and bad efi mapping (viper), and generally the fit and finish isn’t as good as a Japanese built sled (like your Nytro). All of the issues with the Viper and SW are VERY well documented on this site. You can fix all of them. You shouldn’t have to fix them, but they are fixable. They both handle much better than the Nytro (I had one of those too). The questions you should probably ask yourself are 1. How much power do I want / need? 2. How much do I want to spend?

SW has almost unlimited power. You can go from 204hp stock to 250+ with a map and exhaust. But..... a nice used SW will run you about $12000 USD.

Viper has good torque but will not rip your arms out of their sockets and tops out at around 85-95 mph. But... you can get a nice used Viper for $6,000 USD or less, if you’re patient.

Hope this helps. Happy shopping.

 

[Sevey]

Well snowfever27 pretty much covered it. It really comes down to power. If you are happy with 130hp, go viper. If you want ludicrous speed, go SW. Now having run the SW this season there is some simplicity in the Viper that I appreciate - no $4100 turbo to worry about that currently has no rebuild kit. I think they finally have the ECU figured out in the Viper, but it has taken some time.

The Nytro rode from bump to bump in my opinion. This procross chassis is way more intuitive. Way more predictable handling. I noticed now I am looking much further ahead down the trail with this chassis vs the nytro. Small bumps or terrain change would really throw you on a Nytro. These new sleds gobbles stuff up like crazy.
You will likely want to toss the Tuner skis imo and put a good ski under it.

MS

 

[hibshman25]

Sidewinder is much smoother and quieter than a viper. Viper always felt raw. The Sidewinder has the smoothness we associate with the Japan made sleds.

 

[murdered141]

If on a budget and crave more power than your nytro, than a turbo viper can be had for 7-8k and when clutched properly it will give a stock sidewinder a run for it's money, not to mention have over 30#lbs less on the ski's without the intercooler.
I personally think the viper has way less issues than the sidewinder.

 

[03RX1-ER-LE]

The Viper and SW are based on the same procross chassis so the handling is similar. The difference is the SW has almost unlimited power. It’s insane. I own a Viper (XF7000) but I have a few hundred miles of seat time on a SW. they both suffer from chaincase issues, tri hubs wear out, some bearings come with no grease, hot start issues and bad efi mapping (viper), and generally the fit and finish isn’t as good as a Japanese built sled (like your Nytro). All of the issues with the Viper and SW are VERY well documented on this site. You can fix all of them. You shouldn’t have to fix them, but they are fixable. They both handle much better than the Nytro (I had one of those too). The questions you should probably ask yourself are 1. How much power do I want / need? 2. How much do I want to spend?

SW has almost unlimited power. You can go from 204hp stock to 250+ with a map and exhaust. But..... a nice used SW will run you about $12000 USD.

Viper has good torque but will not rip your arms out of their sockets and tops out at around 85-95 mph. But... you can get a nice used Viper for $6,000 USD or less, if you’re patient.

Hope this helps. Happy shopping.

Here in Michigan a used Sidewinder can be had for 10k
https://detroit.craigslist.org/wyn/snw/d/muir-yamaha-sidewinder/6791995123.html

 

[honda400ex2]

Thanks for the comments. The sidewinder sounds like amazing power. What type of mpg does each get on the trail? The nytro tank is fairly small and around 70 miles I am looking for gas. I am assuming the sidewinder is a little harder on gas due to the turbo vs the viper?
Is the Vipers 1050cc engine the same as the nytro used, or has it had any updates? If the same, does it still have the clutch/engine rattle? I got used to it, but just curious if they redesigned it?

How about the steering? Is it more the traditional type, or does it have the more up/down like the nytro?
Thanks again

 

[ritchie]

Riding groomed trails in the 60 to 80 mph range I am averaging 16mpg (cad). Last ride I went on my low fuel light came on just as I pulled up to the pumps. I put in 35.5 litres (burped tank) and my odometer read 135 miles.
The clutch has the rattle at idle but at speed the winder is very quiet and smooth.

 

[74Nitro]

Thanks for the comments. The sidewinder sounds like amazing power. What type of mpg does each get on the trail? The nytro tank is fairly small and around 70 miles I am looking for gas. I am assuming the sidewinder is a little harder on gas due to the turbo vs the viper?
Is the Vipers 1050cc engine the same as the nytro used, or has it had any updates? If the same, does it still have the clutch/engine rattle? I got used to it, but just curious if they redesigned it?

How about the steering? Is it more the traditional type, or does it have the more up/down like the nytro?
Thanks again

I recently did a 200 mile day and there was an Apex with us. I am tuned also.
At the end of the day he asked "how can you have so much more power but not use more fuel?"

 

[honda400ex2]

Thanks Ritchie & 74nitro. The mileage is quite good then. For whatever reason I was thinking in the 10 mpg range. But anything in the 14-16 mpg is right inline what I have been getting with my nytro, except with way more HP.